Presents
Carl Bohm
Piano Trio in D Major, Op.330 No.1
Carl Bohm (1844-1920) was certainly very well-known during his life time. Yet today, his name brings nothing but blank stares. He was one of the leading German song writers of the 19th century and is regularly ranked among a select few after Schubert. Literally dozens of his songs achieved world-wide fame. Among them are such works as: Still as the Night, Twilight, May Bells, Enfant Cheri and The Fountain, just to name a few. Nowadays it is virtually impossible to find any information about him in the standard reference sources although the Oxford Companion to Music tells us, "A German composer of great fecundity and the highest salability...He occupied an important position in the musical commonwealth inasmuch as his publisher, Simrock, declared that the profits on his compositions provided the capital for the publication of those of Brahms." Bohm, like Schubert, was far more than just a song writer, composing in most genres. His chamber music, mostly quartets and piano trios, were extremely popular not only amongst amateurs but also among touring professional groups who were always in need of a sure-fire audience pleaser. Bohm's specialty was music in a lighter vein and no one would ever confuse it with the dark, brooding and introspective works of Brahms. There is always something to be said for a work which listeners can immediately appreciate. The Piano Trio in D Major, Op.330 No.1 certainly fills this bill.
In three movements, the opening movement, Allegro giusto, opens with a powerful, heroic sounding fanfare which eventually gives way to a more lyrical subject which nonetheless is full of energy. Here and there, one can hear echoes of Beethoven. The second movement is a beautiful, somewhat sad Andante con moto. The finale, Allegro, is a upbeat, playful piece full of forward motion.
This is a trio which is suitable both for amateurs of modest technical abilities looking for a captivating program work. It can also be recommended to students.
Parts: $14.95
